Home remedies such as ginger and peppermint may help with nausea. Depending on the underlying cause, medical treatments may also help treat nausea.

It is a widespread and unpleasant experience, which can have many different causes ranging from overeating to a migraine.

This article will offer some tips that may help to relieve the feeling of nausea.

Nausea can have many different causes and can be difficult to avoid entirely. However, feelings of nausea can be eased using some of the following methods:

1. Antiemetic medication

These are anti-nausea drugs that can help to reduce feelings of nausea or vomiting. They are often used to treat nausea or vomiting symptoms caused by motion sickness or infection.

Common side effects can include:

Talk with a doctor first before trying any over-the-counter medications.

There are many different types of antiemetic drugs, and each can have different side effects.

2. Ginger

Ginger is widely used for reducing nausea. Research states that ginger can be effective in treating symptoms of nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy and chemotherapy. One gram of ginger per day can be effective for pregnancy-related nausea, with no significant side effects.

Fresh ginger can be used in cooking or eaten on its own.

Ginger can also be consumed as a tea.

3. Peppermint

A 2021 study found that peppermint oil can reduce the frequency and severity nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The results show that one drop of peppermint oil applied to the spot on the upper lip and nose three times a day for a duration of 5 days was effective.

Peppermint can be consumed in a capsule or tea.

4. Sports drinks

Salty liquids, such as those found in electrolyte replacement sports drinks may help to reduce nausea, according to an older 2010 research study.

A person can try sipping on sports drinks to relieve nausea.

5. Protein

Meals that are primarily made up of protein-rich foods, rather than carbohydrates, have been suggested by researchers to reduce nausea.

If a person has an appetite, they might consider consuming proteins like chicken, beans, and peanut butter, to help with nausea.

6. Cinnamon

An older study from 2015 found that cinnamon can help to reduce nausea caused by menstrual pain. Cinnamon is commonly used in cooking as a flavoring.

7. Avoid carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, such as cola, can cause bloating and worsen nausea.

8. Staying hydrated

If nausea is accompanied by vomiting, it is essential to stay hydrated by taking small sips of water on a regular basis. Eating salty foods or drinking a non-carbonated, sugary drink can be helpful to restore the sugars and salts lost through vomiting.

9. Avoid spicy or rich foods

Sticking to a bland diet can help to reduce nausea. Any foods with strong flavors might unsettle the stomach further.

A person may wish to try bland, starchy foods like toast, plain pasta, crackers, or rice.

Also, consider eating smaller meals throughout the day.

10. Avoid bending forward and crunching the abdomen.

Some everyday activities and postures such as this can also increase nausea. Avoiding bending forward can reduce pressure on the stomach and may improve symptoms.

11. Sitting upright

Keeping the body upright can support digestion and may help nausea to pass.

12. Moving less

Too much movement can worsen nausea, particularly if it is sudden or intense.

13. Controlling breathing

Research has shown that breathing exercises can help ease feelings of nausea.

A 2021 study found that deep breathing helps ease the severity of nausea immediately after surgery and up to 24 hours post procedure.

It may help to engage in mindfulness meditation, which focuses on controlled breathing techniques.

14. Wrist acupuncture

A 2020 study reports that acupuncture could help reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Still, the researchers state that overall, acupuncture has a small effect in being able to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

While some people may find it helpful, especially after an operation, not everyone will.

15. Vomiting

Vomiting can help to reduce nausea in some cases, such as when the nausea is caused by food poisoning or alcohol. However, this will usually only provide short-term relief and can also worsen nausea.

16. Avoid strong odors when eating

People may want to avoid foods with strong odors, especially if it makes them feel nauseated often. They may want to avoid fish, coffee, or onions.

Asking someone else to prepare food may help. Or consider eating in a well-ventilated room.

17. Aromatherapy

Many people believe that aromatherapy can help with nausea and recommend a variety of different oils, including lemon, lavender, chamomile, and cloves. Some studies have found that peppermint aromatherapy, in particular, can help relieve nausea and vomiting.

However, a well-designed review in 2018 found that isopropyl alcohol-based aromatherapy could provide short-term relief for nausea but found no evidence for peppermint oil. The authors concluded that aromatherapy was helpful but less effective than antiemetic medication.

18. Fresh air

Opening a window or going outside can help to reduce feelings of nausea.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about relieving nausea.

What relieves nausea fast?

To relieve nausea, people can try the following:

  • Get some fresh air.
  • Consume ginger, peppermint, or cinnamon.
  • Drink small sips of water regularly.
  • Use the wrist acupressure technique.
  • Take anti-emetic medication.
  • Focus on breathing slowly and deeply.

What is the pressure point for nausea?

Acupressure involves pressing certain points on the body, which practitioners say improves energy flow and helps heal specific ailments.

A common acupressure point for nausea is Nei Guan or P6. Pressing it can help relieve nausea within 10–30 seconds. To find it, do the following:

  • Turn the hand so the palm faces up.
  • From the base of the palm, find the two large tendons that lead down the forearm.
  • P6 is located between the two tendons, 2–3 finger widths from the base of the palm.
  • With the thumb of the other hand, press firmly on the point.

Nausea can be an unpleasant and often unavoidable experience. However, symptoms can be managed using some of the methods mentioned in this article.

It is a good idea to experiment with different methods as the causes and experience of nausea can vary from person to person. Talk with a doctor before trying any new medications for nausea and vomiting.